Month: September 2017

Embark is a value for pilots transitioning to pre-owned Cirrus Aircraft

Here’s the right way to take-off in your new airplane. Embark provides Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots (CSIPs) at no charge to pilots purchasing pre-owned Cirrus Aircraft.

2017 Cirrus Aircraft SR22, Oshkosh WI, photo credit wikiWings
2017 Cirrus Aircraft SR22, Oshkosh WI, photo credit wikiWings

The training is provided by the Cirrus network of instructors and paid for by Cirrus. Embark was created to train pilots buying Cirrus aircraft on the used market. It doesn’t matter if you buy the plane from an individual or broker.

Here’s the thing, statistics for fatal and non-fatal accidents indicate pilots flying without type-specific training from Cirrus trained instructors are at higher risk. Let’s repeat this message, pilots choosing not to receive instruction from CSIP’s are at higher risk for an accident.

Cirrus is a leader in developing world-class flight training materials and proficient flight instruction. Their company culture is dedicated to aviation safety. Embark raises that commitment even higher.

If you’re an individual or multi-owner partnership thinking about purchasing a pre-owned Cirrus Aircraft you need to check out the Embark program. All members of a partnership are eligible to receive transition training at no charge. Continue reading “Embark is a value for pilots transitioning to pre-owned Cirrus Aircraft” →

We attended EAA AirVenture 2017 in Oshkosh Wisconsin

In July 2017, we flew our plane to the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh Wisconsin. Many years had past since I had last attended. It was good to be back and EAA AirVenture did not disappoint. The weather was just perfect. Here are my brief highlights:

EAA AirVenture 2017, P51 Mustang and two pilots discussing flight tactics, photo credit wikiWings
EAA AirVenture 2017, P51 Mustang and two pilots discussing flight tactics, photo credit wikiWings

Warbirds were in full array. The quality and quantity of restored military aircraft was impressive. I’ve never seen so many. I believe Baby Boomers are spending their retirement dollars on warbirds and enjoying every minute of doing so.

The world famous Blue Angels provided a spectacular physics defying aerial presentation every day we were there. And, each afternoon special aviators took to the sky to display their airplanes and flying skills.

The EAA Aviation Museum was an impressive pause from the activities outside. I had not previously been to the museum. They have a collection of more than 200 historic airplanes and many world-class galleries. I found the documentation of EAA members that have been leaders in innovation a compelling story. We need that passion in the next generation of pilots. Continue reading “We attended EAA AirVenture 2017 in Oshkosh Wisconsin” →

What’s in your airplane survival kit?

Surviving an off-airport landing is one of five introductory mountain flying topics discussed by Loren French, with Alpine

San Juan National Forest, Colorado Rockies, mountain forest, blue sky and scattered clouds, photo wikiWings
San Juan National Forest, Colorado Rockies, mountain forest, blue sky and scattered clouds, photo wikiWings

Flight Training. His instruction begins with strategy planning to reduce risk and put as many conditions in your favor as possible. Don’t plan your route across terrain where you’d find it hard to survive one night waiting on rescue.

One situation Loren shared was a mountain rescue that took more than a day. The survivors could see the rescue aircraft overhead and made the mistake thinking the rescuers could see them. They turned the Emergency Locator Transmitter off – believing rescue was imminent. With no signal the aircraft left the area. Unfortunately, this occurred several times, as the aircraft would appear the survivors would turn the ELT off which ultimately delayed their recovery until the next day. It became an infamous game of cat and mouse. Let the ELT do its job and rescue personnel will turn it off when they’re on site.

A second story Loren shared was a training exercise in Colorado. About a dozen individuals participated in surviving one night in the Colorado Rockies. Continue reading “What’s in your airplane survival kit?” →

What are your mountain flying weather minimums?

Loren French, with Alpine Flight Training, teaches an introductory mountain flying course aimed at piston-engine pilots navigating below 12,000 feet in VFR conditions. Here’s his guidance on weather minimums for pilots new to mountain flying:

San Isabel National Forest, mountains, scattered clouds & blue sky, Salida, United States, photo credit wikiWings
San Isabel National Forest, mountains, scattered clouds & blue sky, Salida, United States, photo credit wikiWings

What are Your Mountain Flying Wx Minimums?

  • Visibility: Minimum 10 miles along your route
  • Wind Aloft: Maximum 25 knots forecast between 9,000 and 12,000
  • Cloud bases: 2,000 feet above all ridges and passes along your route

Weather minimums are part of Loren’s guidance to develop a strategy that puts conditions in your favor.  If your weather minimums cannot be met look for a suitable alternate route, delay the flight or cancel and rent a car.

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